ibex Appoints Karen Batungbacal to Board of Directors

Rhea-AI Summary

IBEX has announced the appointment of Karen Batungbacal to its Board of Directors, effective January 20, 2025. Batungbacal, a Philippines outsourcing pioneer, brings significant customer experience expertise in Healthcare and Financial Services. She has held senior leadership positions at major companies including JPMorgan Chase, UnitedHealth Group, and Tenet Healthcare.

The appointment comes as IBEX continues to focus on redefining customer experience with AI and expanding in key vertical markets. Batungbacal, who co-founded the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), holds advanced degrees from Princeton University and the University of Notre Dame.

Simultaneously, Shuja Keen will retire from the IBEX Board effective December 31, 2024, but will continue advising on AI initiatives. Following these changes, the IBEX Board will consist of eight directors, with five being independent.

Positive

• Appointment of experienced industry veteran with expertise in key target sectors (Healthcare and Financial Services)
• Strategic alignment with company's AI and CX innovation focus
• Maintained strong board independence with 5 out of 8 directors being independent

Negative

• Loss of key board member Shuja Keen who played significant role in AI strategy

Philippines outsourcing pioneer to join as an independent director; bringing significant CX expertise in Healthcare and Financial Services

WASHINGTON, Jan. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IBEX Limited (“ibex”), a leading provider in global business process outsourcing and end-to-end customer engagement technology solutions, today announced the appointment of Karen Batungbacal to its Board of Directors. Batungbacal will begin her official duties as a board member on January 20, 2025.

“We are excited to welcome Karen to our Board of Directors,” said Bob Dechant, Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of ibex Limited. “As we continue to pursue our strategy to redefine customer experience (CX) with AI and further grow in key vertical markets and geographies, Karen is the ideal partner to help guide our growth as we scale efficiently. She is a pioneer in the Philippines BPO and shared services market and brings a unique skill set and expertise having co-founded the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) and led customer service for several global leaders in the financial services and healthcare industries. We are privileged to have Karen join the ibex Board, and we look forward to working together.”

Batungbacal held senior leadership positions at JPMorgan Chase, UnitedHealth Group, Tenet Healthcare, QBE Insurance, ICT Group, and Citi. She also has extensive board and non-profit advisory experience, including Partner at CEO Advisor Inc.; Secretary and Governor of Management Association of the Philippines; Member of the Board of Advisors at Call Center Studio; and Senior Advisor & Co-founder, Board of Trustees of IBPAP. Batungbacal holds a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Princeton University and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Notre Dame.

“I am honored to join the Board of ibex, a growing and differentiated outsourcing company at the forefront of CX innovation,” said Batungbacal. “The company’s commitment to delivering the next generation of CX for the world’s top brands aligns seamlessly with my passion for customer service. I look forward to contributing to ibex’s future innovation, growth and success.”

ibex also announced Shuja Keen’s retirement from the ibex Board, effective December 31, 2024. Keen has served on the ibex Board since 2018 and played a significant role in guiding its AI strategy. He will continue in an advisory capacity for ibex’s AI initiative, which will include the formation of an AI Advisory Committee comprised of industry thought leaders.   

“Shuja has played an important role in ibex’s growth and evolution as a market disruptor poised for future growth,” said Mohammed Khaishgi, Chairman of the Board of ibex Limited. "On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Shuja for his dedication and service to ibex and wish him continued success in his future pursuits.”

As a matter of practice, the Board of Directors regularly evaluates the composition of the board and considers how they can maintain the appropriate mix of skills, qualifications and diversity of backgrounds to best oversee the business and long-term strategy of the company. Following these changes, ibex’s Board of Directors will be composed of eight directors, five of whom are independent.

About ibex

ibex helps the world’s preeminent brands more effectively engage their customers with services ranging from customer support, technical support, inbound/outbound sales, business intelligence and analytics, digital demand generation, and CX surveys and feedback analytics.

Media Contact:
Dan Burris
daniel.burris@ibex.co

FAQ

When will Karen Batungbacal join IBEX's Board of Directors?

Karen Batungbacal will begin her official duties as a board member on January 20, 2025.

What is Karen Batungbacal's background and experience relevant to IBEX?

She is a Philippines outsourcing pioneer who co-founded IBPAP and held senior leadership positions at major companies including JPMorgan Chase, UnitedHealth Group, and Tenet Healthcare, bringing significant CX expertise in Healthcare and Financial Services.

How many independent directors will IBEX have after these board changes?

Following these changes, IBEX's Board will have five independent directors out of a total of eight board members.

Who is leaving IBEX's Board and when?

Shuja Keen will retire from the IBEX Board effective December 31, 2024, but will continue in an advisory capacity for the company's AI initiative.